Renowned local poet Raphael Sitima of Chala Changa fame on Saturday stole the limelight at the finals of the K1.1 million Malomo Wafawafa Football Bonanza played at Malomo Primary School ground in Ntchisi.
The bonanza was organised by Friends of Ntchisi group to raise awareness on deforestation and to discourage early child marriages in the area.
During half-time, artist Innocent Chitimbe of the Akazati Wakwiya fame, first dished out his songs to entertain the patrons.
Then it was Sitima’s turn to do what he knows best and he did it to perfection.
He recited back to back poems which included Chala Changa and Kwathu Nkuno.
Chala Changa, a poem that depicts the 2014 Tripartite Elections, sent the fans into jubilation.
It took some time for the game to resume, as the crowd wanted more from the poet.
In an interview, Sitima, who is a nurse at Mulanje District Hospital, was on cloud nine.
“The response was just amazing. It’s rare for poems to be welcomed at a football match and I did not expect such overwhelming response. This has encouraged me to aim high,” said Sitima.
One of the fans, Jeston Joster Chipote, showered praises on him.
“The guy knows the job. He is talented and mature. I liked his poems,” said Chipote.
Sitima has three albums to his credit.
This year, the poet has released Mfiti Za Mfiti.
